The Ceremonial County of Berkshire is situated in South East England.
The area of Berkshire is 488 Square Miles (1,264 Square Kilometres). Making Berkshire the 28th smallest county in Great Britain (out of 91) and the 9th smallest county in England (out of 48).
Berkshire: England's Historic Gem
Berkshire, whose name originates from the Forest of Berroc, where Box trees grow abundantly, derives from the Celtic word 'Berroc', meaning 'Hilly'. This historic county west of London offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and modern charm.
The East: A Royal Legacy
In the east, close to the M25, lie vibrant towns like Slough and Maidenhead, with Windsor standing out for its iconic castle, home to the Royal Family and a top tourist destination. Nearby, Legoland offers fun for all ages.
The West: Rural Peace and Ancient Mysteries
Heading west, the landscape transforms to countryside serenity around Newbury, surrounded by charming villages and the Berkshire Downs, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This region is crossed by the ancient Ridgeway, leading to sacred sites like Wayland's Smithy and the White Horse of Uffington, whose origins remain mysterious.
Battles of Berkshire
Berkshire's history is marked by significant battles, particularly during the Civil War. The two Battles of Newbury in 1643 and the siege of Donnington Castle left lasting imprints. Reading, the county town, witnessed the 11-day siege of Reading. Notably, the Battle of Broad Street in 1688 was part of the Glorious Revolution, the last successful invasion of England. This decisive confrontation helped install William of Orange from the Netherlands, replacing King James II (ousting the Stuart reign), and changing the course of British history.
Modern Berkshire: A Hub of Growth
Today, Berkshire is a thriving hub, connected by the M4 motorway, known as the M4 Corridor, home to many hi-tech companies. The River Thames flows through Reading, while the River Kennet weaves through Newbury and beyond, symbolising the county's harmony between past and present.
Berkshire's story is a captivating blend of ancient and modern, waiting to be explored.
A map showing the geology of Berkshire.
| Map Key | Description |
|---|---|
| 28 | SAND, SILT AND CLAY |
| 30 | CHALK |
| 48 | MUDSTONE, SANDSTONE AND LIMESTONE |
| 79 | CLAY, SILT, SAND AND GRAVEL |
A map showing the boundary of Berkshire in relation to other counties.
Map of the County of Berkshire
| Zoom Level | Latitude | Longitude |
| 6 | 53.521968 | -2.164306 |